Cells studies on PEO/PEG/NaClO3 thin-film electrolyte system based on composite V2O5 electrode

The thin-film solid polymer electrolyte based on polyethylene oxide (PEO) with sodium chlorite (NaClO3) has been prepared by a solution-cast technique. The electrolyte was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR), cyclic voltammetry, alternating current conductivity, and Wagner's polarization studies. The complexation of NaClO3 with PEO was confirmed through the XRD and IR studies. The transference number measurement has shown that the ion transport is predominant over electrons in the polymer electrolytes (t (ions)approximate to 0.94). The conductivity enhancement was observed in the case of the PEO/NaClO3 system with the addition of plasticizers (low-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol, organic solvents propylene carbonate and dimethyl formamide. Cyclic voltammetry analysis showed the stability and redox character of the electrolyte and electrode. Finally, polymer electrolyte systems were examined by electrochemical cell studies using V2O5 and composite V2O5 cathode at temperature of 35 degrees C. Overall, the plasticized electrolyte shows a better electrochemical performance, and a higher discharge capacity was observed in composite V2O5-based cells over V2O5-based cells.